Are the amounts payable to Bft non-refundable?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
TED INITIAL INVESTMENT | $509,836 | $1,204,045 | | | |
Notes to Table A:
All amounts payable to us are non-refundable, unless otherwise noted. Amounts payable to suppliers/vendors are refunded according to arrangements you make with the vendor, if any. These figures are only estimates of the range of your initial costs during the development of your Studio, the Pre-Sales Phase, and the first three (3) months of operation after your Studio's Soft Opening. Leasing and financing is available for many of the above expenses. We do not offer direct or indirect financing, but we may assist you in obtaining working capital through other sources.
1 General. The initial investment table shows certain expenditures required to establish and operate a Studio.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 26–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, amounts payable to Bft are generally non-refundable unless explicitly stated otherwise. However, payments made to suppliers or vendors are subject to the refund arrangements that the franchisee makes with those individual suppliers or vendors. This general rule applies to both single-unit franchise agreements and multi-unit development agreements.
For a prospective Bft franchisee, this means that careful consideration should be given before making any payments directly to Bft, as these funds are unlikely to be returned. It is important to understand the specific refund policies, if any, that apply to each fee or payment. This non-refundable policy is relatively common in franchising, as the franchisor incurs costs in processing applications, providing training, and setting up new franchisees.
Specifically, the initial franchise fee of $60,000 for a single studio is non-refundable. The development fee under a multi-unit agreement is also non-refundable, though it can be applied in $10,000 increments toward future initial franchise fees (excluding the first one). This policy underscores the importance of due diligence and careful planning before entering into a franchise agreement with Bft. Franchisees should clarify any uncertainties regarding payment terms and refund policies with Bft before signing any agreements or making any payments.